Maple Leafs News

Peter Horachek Named Interim Head Coach

by
Staff Writer
/ Toronto Maple Leafs

David Nonis, Senior Vice President and General Manager of the Toronto Maple Leafs announced Wednesday that Peter Horachek has been named the club’s interim head coach while Steve Staios, the Leafs’ Manager of Player Development, will also support the coaching staff on the bench and in practice.

Horachek, 54, was originally named an assistant coach of the Toronto Maple Leafs on July 11, 2014. The Stoney Creek, Ontario native served as head coach of the American Hockey League’s San Antonio Rampage at the beginning of the 2013-14 season before being appointed head coach of the Florida Panthers with 66 games remaining in the regular season (going 26-36-4 in the process). Prior to joining the Panthers organization, Horachek spent nine seasons as an assistant coach with the Nashville Predators (2003-2013), serving his last two years as associate coach. Over his coaching career, Horachek has also served as head coach for the Milwaukee Admirals (AHL, 2002-03), Trenton Titans (ECHL, 2001-02) and Orlando Solar Bears (IHL, 1999-2001), where he led the Bears to the 2001 Turner Cup.

As a player, Horachek spent 10 seasons as a forward in both the AHL and IHL, skating for the Rochester Americans (1979-80 to 1982-83), Flint Generals (1982-83 to 1984-85), Saginaw Generals (1985-86 to 1986-87) and Flint Spirits (1988-89). He also played three seasons of junior hockey with the Oshawa Generals (1977-1980).

Steve Staios is currently in his third season with the organization after joining the Leafs on July 25, 2012. The 41-year-old Hamilton, Ontario native is a veteran defenceman of 18 NHL seasons as he played 1,001 career regular season games between 1995 and 2012. He will support current assistants Steve Spott, Chris Dennis, Rick St. Croix (goaltending) and Mark Phalon (video).